7/8/08
Gratiot Collaborative Group Receives Grant for Innovative
Master Planning Initiative
LIAA’s Partnerships for Change: Sustainable Communities
Grant to provide professional services and technical
assistance
 At
least twenty-one units of government within Gratiot
County, Michigan have embarked on the state’s first
collaborative countywide master plan, and a $67,000
service grant from the Traverse City-based Land Information
Access Association’s (LIAA) “Partnerships for Change:
Sustainable Communities” program will boost the effort.
Heather Seyfarth, Community Planner for the LIAA remarked,
"We were very impressed with the grant application
from the partnering units of government in Gratiot
County. A county-wide master plan generated by local
jurisdictions through cooperative efforts truly embodies
the mission of the Partnerships for Change Sustainable
Communities program. Moreover, we believe that a plan
of this nature is the first of its kind in Michigan."
Local government leaders came together several months
ago to discuss the concept of a joint master plan
between two cities and a township, but the scope quickly
expanded as additional local government leaders expressed
interest in participating. Updated master plans are
mandatory for every unit of government in Michigan,
and most units spend thousands of dollars creating
individual plans and updating them every five years.
In an effort to save taxpayer dollars and create a
master plan that embodies each unit within the context
of the entire county, the Gratiot Countywide Master
Planning Group began work on organizing a committee
structure for community participation. Current committees
include Historical Context, Physical Characteristics,
Demographics, Housing, Economy, Community Services,
Education, Roadways & Transportation, and Community
Collaboration. Greater Gratiot Development, Inc. President
and Chair of the Master Planning Group stated, “I
expect the planning effort to deliver a far superior
plan for the wider community than individual plans
would ever allow.” Community members interested in
participating may contact Greater Gratiot Development,
Inc. at (989) 875-2083.
The mission of the Partnerships for Change Sustainable
Communities program is effective preservation and
management of cultural and natural resources on a
statewide basis through inter-jurisdictional cooperation
and coordination in land use planning and management,
resulting in more efficient economic development through
an inter-jurisdictional focus on community-wide concerns.
Funding for Partnerships for Change Sustainable Communities
comes from the Americana, C.S. Mott and W.K. Kellogg
Foundations, and the Coastal Management Program of
the Michigan Department of Environmental Quality.
Partners include the Michigan Township Association,
Michigan Municipal League, Michigan Association of
Planning, and Michigan State University Extension.
Follow links below for more information:
Press
Release
Partnerships
for Change (official site)
Land Information
Access Association (official site)
6/25/08
Powell Fabrication & Mfg, Inc. to expand facilities
in St. Louis
Company continues to compete in global marketplace
 Powell
Fabrication was established in 1964, currently employs
40 people and manufactures equipment used for the
production of bleach and the safe handling of chemicals.
The company broke ground Thursday on a 11,100 square
foot, 45 foot tall building addition that will allow
the company to expand production capacity for newly
designed, skid-mounted bleach production equipment
in Bethany Township, just east of St. Louis.
 The
largest piece of equipment Powell produces currently
fills almost one half of the existing production area.
Powell employees, local elected officials, Greater
Gratiot Development, Inc. board and staff, bankers,
construction officials, and other distinguished guests
were on hand for the groundbreaking ceremony.
A majority of household bleach, including Clorox
brand is produced on Powell equipment, designed and
manufactured in St. Louis. Their equipment has been
shipped to every continent of the planet except Antarctica,
and the company is able to remotely diagnose or operate
equipment anywhere in the world if it is connected
to the internet or a modem.
The company continuously works on new products and
improvements to existing systems. One such product
is an emergency valve closure system for rail cars
or tanker trucks shipping hazardous materials.
Duane Powell, CEO of Powell Fabrication & Manufacturing
noted, “Powell Fab & Mfg. has grown incrementally
over the years, and our success is due to the hard
work and commitment of our employees, many of whom
have been part of the Powell family for decades. We
certainly have the workforce talent right here in
the mid Michigan area.”
Greater Gratiot Development, Inc. assisted Powell
Fabrication through the Gratiot County Brownfield
Redevelopment program to analyze the former Royster
Fertilizer and Midwest Building Supply property for
potential environmental hazards related to the 1991
fire that destroyed the former Royster building. Minor
soil cover will be required on a small portion of
the property to mitigate future issues. GGDI has assisted
Powell with previous expansions over the years and
is excited to be a part of their continued growth.
Don Schurr, President of Greater Gratiot Development,
Inc. said, “Powell is a little known gem in the Gratiot
Community. All of us are connected to this company
in some way, as many of the everyday products we depend
on are produced on Powell equipment. The long term
vitality of the mid Michigan economy depends on the
growth of high technology companies like Powell. We
are proud partners in their growth and look forward
to continued success.”
Follow links below for more information:
Powell
Fabrication & Manufacturing, Inc. (official site)
5/9/08
Bushwhacker Canoe Challenge to Draw Hundreds to Gratiot
County
All event proceeds go to Verlen Kruger Memorial
 The
first annual Bushwhacker Challenge, a grueling 150-mile
canoeing and kayaking expedition down the Pine and
Chippewa Rivers, is scheduled to kick off on May 17.
Hundreds of people from all over Michigan and the
U.S. are registered, and event organizers are gearing
up to welcome them.
“We are very fortunate to have some
amazing businesses helping out,” said David Eldridge,
event manager and owner of Pine River Outfitters in
St. Louis. “Alma Sign and Mid Michigan Upholstery
have volunteered at no charge to make all of our banners,
signs, parking signs and portage signs; plus Rent
Rite has donated the porta-johns and the use of their
land as a rest stop.” Several churches have also stepped
forward to help make and serve food to the participants,
and the VFW Honor Guard is scheduled to appear at
the opening ceremonies.
“I have never seen people come together
to support something like this in my life,” Eldridge
said.
Participants have the option of participating in a
150-mile challenge, a 40-mile cruise, or a 10-mile
sprint.
Follow links below for more information:
"Bushwhacker
Challenge to Bring Hundreds for 150-mile trip down
the Pine & Chippewa Rivers." Vision Mid
Michigan. 7 May 2008.
Kruger
Canoes
Bushwhacker
Challenge Facebook Event Page
5/8/08
Brownfield Redevelopment Authority Receives EPA Award
"Significant contribution to the EPA Region
5 Brownfields Program"
 The
Gratiot County Brownfield Redevelopment Authority
shined this week at the National Brownfields Conference
in Detroit with an award from the U.S. Environmental
Protection Agency (EPA) for a significant contribution
to EPA Region 5 Brownfields Program.
The award highlights Merrill Fabricators’
redevelopment of the former Oxford Automotive/Lobdell-Emery
plant in Alma. Recognition for the project relates
to the large and complex nature of the site, and the
bureaucratic hurdles that were overcome through close
cooperation between the EPA, Michigan Department of
Environmental Quality, the Brownfield Redevelopment
Authority of the County of Gratiot, AKT Peerless Environmental
Services, and Merrill Fabricators.
Total investment to date is more than
$4 million. The company expects to employ over 300
at the Republic Street plant by 2009. “A significant
environmental issue has been resolved, hundreds of
new jobs are being created, and the former powerhouse
of industry in Gratiot County has gotten a big boost
from Merrill Fabricators’ investment,” said Chelsey
Foster, Project Manager for Greater Gratiot Development,
Inc. and administrator of the Brownfield Authority.
“We are excited about the diversity they bring to
the region’s economy, and the synergistic opportunities
that are likely to develop between new and existing
industry.”
Merrill Fabricators fabricates complex,
high accuracy and high quality welded products for
a wide variety of industries. The Saginaw-based Merrill
Technologies Group family of companies includes Merrill
Fabricators, Merrill Tool & Machine, and Merritech.
Merrill Fabricators was established in 1975.
Follow link below for more information:
"Gratiot
Brownfield Authority Receives EPA Honor."
The Morning Sun. 9 May 2008.
Merrill
Fabricators (official site)
EPA
Region 5 Brownfields Program
Brownfield
Redevelopment Authority of the County of Gratiot
4/21/08
M&M Energy Chairman Muckleroy addresses Alma College
grads
Message to graduates: Focus on honor and integrity
 Two
years ago Michael Muckleroy spoke at Alma College's
Center for Responsible Leadership and he was back
by popular demand Saturday for the commencement address.
The former Enron executive and one of the developers
of the proposed Great Lakes Energy and Research Park
in Alma kept his remarks short. Duty, honor and country
were his themes, and he said he didn't mean necessarily
participating in the military. But the former Navy
Seal did urge the class to "focus on what you
can do for your own country." He also suggested
that they get into politics, not necessarily as a
career, he said, "but there are things you can
do."
Honor, he said, is to be able to "look into
the mirror and honor the person that's looking back
at you. Tell the truth even if it hurts." He
told the truth at Enron and was, in his words, run
out of the company. He called it the greatest honor
he had ever received besides the honor the college
was granting him.
Mr. Muckleroy received an honorary Doctor of Letters,
presented by Dr. Mel Nyman, Alma mayor and Alma College
President Saundra Tracy.
Follow link below for more information:
"Message
to Grads." The Morning Sun. 20
Apr. 2008.
M&M
Energy LLC (official site)
3/7/08
Gratiot Medical Center Now Offers Wireless Internet
Patients and visitors access free network throughout
Alma campus
 Gratiot
Medical Center is pleased to offer wireless internet
to their patients and visitors. The MidMichigan Visitor
Network enables visitors to connect their own laptops,
computers, PDA’s or other WiFi-capable devices to
the Internet while they are at the Medical Center.
This service is helping visitors make valuable use
of their waiting time and to remain connected to family
or work during their stay.
Wireless “hot spots” at Gratiot Medical
Center can be found in the following areas:
- Emergency Department Waiting Room
- Day Surgery Waiting Room
- Surgical Waiting Room
- Main Lobby
- Patient Registration Area
Gratiot Medical Center will add more locations over
time; just look for the signs marked “Visitor Wireless
Internet Access.” Gratiot Medical Center does not
provide help desk support, wireless network cards
or other devices to use on the network. To learn how
to connect to the internet and for troubleshooting
tips while visiting the Medical Center, ask the volunteer
desk for an informational guide or log onto www.midmichigan.org/wireless
before your stay.
Follow link below for more information:
Gratiot
Medical Center (official site)
2/25/08
Alma Products launches new Corporate Identity
Focus is on global business, environmental awareness,
adaption to change
 Alma
Products Company recently introduced a new corporate
identity that in the words of General Manager, Al
Victoria, "is not just a new logo, but instead
a symbol that reflects who the company is and what
it intends to be in the future."
Alma Products, founded in 1944, specializes
in the remanufacture/manufacture of automotive and
industrial components including:
- Air conditioning compressors
- Torque converters
- Clutch and disc assemblies
- Automatic transmissions
The new corporate logo includes a globe referring
to a global business mentality as the company engages
in expanded overseas business. The color green represents
environmental awareness; as Alma Products specializes
in remanufacturing. The two arrows circling the globe
signify adaptability to change and a commitment to
sustainability.
With over 60 years of business, Alma Products has
earned an excellent reputation for both environmental
stewardship and quality remanufacturing from companies
including Ford, General Motors, Chrysler, Caterpillar,
John Deere, Komatsu and Case New Holland. Don Schurr,
President of Greater Gratiot Development, Inc. notes,
"As the fifth largest employer in Gratiot County,
Alma Products' renewed leadership in strengthening
its brand through innovative development of new product
lines and the pursuit of untapped overseas markets
is exciting to see. We look forward to the company's
continued success."
Follow link below for more information:
Alma
Products Company (official site)
2/11/08
Alma College announces $18.75 million expansion
New gymnasium/convocation center and series of academic
space improvements on the horizon
 Alma
College trustees, meeting Feb. 2, authorized the College
to proceed with project planning and the hiring of
architectural and engineering services for the new
construction and renovation projects. The Board also
approved a declaration of intent to borrow up to $13
million for the campus projects and authorized the
raising of $9 million in private donations.
Follow link below for more information:
Press
Release: Alma College (4 Feb 2008) "Trustees
Approve Academic, Athletic Facility Projects."
1/23/08
Bipartisan, bicameral legislation to spur green energy
in Michigan
Great Lakes Energy & Research Park to be the
first project to benefit from proposed legislation
 Two
press conferences were held yesterday in Lansing and
Alma to unveil new bipartisan, bicameral legislation
designed to spur new energy projects like the Great
Lakes Energy & Research Park in Alma, Gratiot
County, Michigan. Senate Majority Leader
Mike Bishop (R) led
the Lansing press conference, emphasizing the bold,
bipartisan initiative. Gratiot representatives, Senator
Roger Kahn (R) and Representative
Paul Opsommer (R) were joined by Senator
Jim Barcia (D - Arenac, Bay, Huron,
Sanilac,Tuscola), Senator Wayne Kuipers
(R - Ottawa, Kent), and Senator Matthew Gillard
(D - Alcona, Alpena, Crawford, Montmorency, Oscoda,
Presque Isle) to show their support for the pending
legislation. Developers of the Great Lakes Energy
& Research Park, Mike Muckleroy
and Mike Sawruk, spoke to the great
importance and timeliness of the legislative package
that will encourage this and many other clean energy
projects throughout Michigan. Local officials were
present to convey the readiness of Gratiot County
to accept the first major energy development of its
kind.
 A
subsequent media event was held at the Alma Public
Library to highlight more specific details about the
project and recognize the immense collaborative efforts
that have taken place in Gratiot County to pave the
way for the Great Lakes Energy & Research Park.
Multiple governmental resolutions of support for the
project, interlocal infrastructure cost-sharing agreements,
and even countywide master planning efforts have been
embraced as a means to make the energy park the best
possible opportunity for the entire mid Michigan region.
Follow link below for more information:
"Alma
Energy Park Gets Legislative Boost." The
Morning Sun. 23 Jan. 2008.
M&M
Energy LLC (official site)
1/17/08
Medler Electric Co. opens new headquarters bldg. in
Alma
Medler Electric Company celebrated its 90th anniversary
by opening a new 15,000 square foot facility in the
Alma Industrial Park, which is located in the City
of Alma, Gratiot County. The new building will house
the corporate headquarters and wholesale distribution
operations for Medler Electric Company, an employee-owned
electrical parts and supplies distribution company
established in 1918, operating 14 branch offices throughout
Michigan. Gratiot County hosts four Michigan Certified
Business Parks, with over 100 acres of shovel-ready
property and multiple buildings available. Follow
the links below or call (989) 875-2083 for more information.
Follow link below for more information:
Medler
Electric Company (official site)
Gratiot
County, Michigan Certified Business Parks
Michigan
Certified Business Parks website
11/16/07
Brownfield Recycling Brings $10 Million, 300 jobs to
Gratiot County
 Gratiot
County is recycling to help build its local business
base. The word might evoke thoughts of bottles and
paper, but the county’s recycling has focused on land;
or, more specifically, developed properties. And,
Don Schurr, president of Greater Gratiot Development,
Inc., says the effort has brought the county about
$10 million in investments and created about 300 jobs.
Old developed properties, where the
original tenant has left, are called brownfield properties.
Oftentimes, there are lingering questions about environmental
damage left by the original owners, and there are
questions about who would be liable to clean up that
mess before a property owner could make use of it.
Follow link below for full article:
"Brownfield
Recycling Brings $10 Million Investment & 300
jobs to Gratiot County." Vision Mid Michigan.
14 Nov. 2007.
Brownfield
Redevelopment Authority of the County of Gratiot
11/16/07
Alma Superintendent Named Region's Best
 The
Alma Public Schools Superintendent Don Pavlik was
surprised to learn he was named Superintendent of
the Year for Region 4 of the Michigan Association
of School Administrators.
Ithaca Superintendent Charles Schnetzler,
region president, presented the award at the Alma
school board meeting Monday night. Region 4 includes,
Clare, Gladwin, Isabella, Gratiot, Saginaw, Bay and
Arenac counties.
Follow links below for more information:
"Alma
superintendent receives regional honor."
The Morning Sun. 14 Nov. 2007.
Alma
Public Schools
Gratiot-Isabella Regional Education Service District
(GIRESD)
9/17/07
Merrill Fabricators plant to open soon
 The
Oxford Automotive sign has been removed and a Merrill
Fabricators sign has been put in place.
With environmental clean-up nearly completed
and electrical work under way, the company that makes
large welded products for the oil, gas and transportation
industries is expected to be up and running by the
first of October.
Follow links below for more information:
"Plant
to open soon in Alma." The Morning Sun.
7 Sept. 2007.
Merrill
Fabricators (official site)
Merrill Technologies Group (official site)
8/31/07
Biofuels Expo to be hosted by Liberty Renewable Fuels,
LLC
 Liberty
Renewable Fuels, LLC will host a biofuels exhibition
on Saturday, September 8, 2007 at
the construction site of its 110-million gallon ethanol
plant located at 1250
E. Washington Rd, Ithaca, Michigan.
The agenda
includes:
- 10:00 am- Tours of the construction
site
- 11:00 am - Speakers forum: The
Future of Ethanol
- 1:30 pm - Race car demonstration
& exhibition
- 2:00 pm - Informational Liberty
investment meeting
Follow links below for more information:
Liberty
Renewable Fuels' Biofuels Expo flyer (PDF)
Radio
advertisement - Biofuels Expo (mp3)
Liberty
Renewable Fuels, LLC - official site
8/28/07
Representative Dave Camp visits Alma Energy Park site
 The
Honorable Dave Camp, representing Michigan's 4th Congressional
District, visited the City of Alma Tuesday,
August 28 at 2:00 p.m. for a public media
event showcasing the Great
Lakes Energy & Research Park project.
Mike Sawruk, president of M&M
Energy LLC, and lead developer for the project
was present to explain details of the project to Representative
Camp and other interested parties.
After discussion of the project, the
Congressman was provided an aerial tour of the project
site and surrounding area.
Follow link below for handout material:
Fact
Sheet - Great Lakes Energy & Research Park
(PDF)
M&M
Energy, LLC - official site
8/12/07
Welders likely to be in Demand
 Displaced
workers may get an opportunity for a new career soon
when several groups get together to design a welding
training program. G-TEC, at least a half dozen local
businesses, Greater Gratiot Development Inc. and the
Alma Public Schools District are working on the project.
With the planned move of Merrill Fabricators
into Alma’s former Oxford Automotive plant this month,
welders will likely be in demand, said Dennis Dunlap,
career technical education administrator at G-TEC.
Companies already in the area employ welders, which
will increase the competition for workers.
Follow link below for full article:
"Welders
likely to be in Demand." The Morning Sun.
12 Aug. 2007.
7/26/07
Grant Writing Workshop to be hosted by Greater Gratiot
Development, Inc.
Greater Gratiot Development, Inc. is
offering a grant writing workshop to anyone in the
Gratiot community interested in
learning how to write grants.
The workshop will be led by Michael
J. Montgomery, of Montgomery Consulting, an economic
development consulting firm.
Montgomery was also the guest speaker
at this year's "Collaboration for a Stronger
Economy" meeting that was held May 17, 2007 at
the Gratiot-Isabella RESD. The grant writing
workshop is a direct result of collaborative brainstorming
sessions held at the May meeting.
Montgomery recognizes that Gratiot County
is on the edge of growth and wants to help prepare
us to address our current and future needs.
The workshop will be held August
15, 2007 from 1-5pm
at the Ithaca RESD.
Cost is $10 per person.
If you would like to register for the
workshop contact the Greater Gratiot Development,
Inc. office by August 8, 2007 at 989-875-2083
or e-mail intern@gratiot.org.
7/18/07
Great Lakes Energy Research Park in Alma may get Federal
Boost
 In
the bill just passed by the U.S. House of Representatives,
Alma's Great Lakes Energy Research Park is due to
receive $500,000.
The money, from the Energy and Water Appropriations
Act, can't be spent until the Senate - and the President
- also approve, U.S. Rep. Dave Camp's spokesman Sage
Eastman said.
... "It does a lot for the project," said
Don Schurr, President of Greater Gratiot Development.
"It elevates it to another level of discussion.
This helps demonstrate that it's not hypothetical...
For his part, developer Mike Sawruk said he is very
excited by the work and effort on Camp's part. "It's
a big step - a watershed event for the state,"
he said. "The federal government recognizes the
significance of this. We're starting to get some momentum
and we're making great progress."
Follow link below for full article:
"Energy
Park May Get Federal Boost." The Morning
Sun. 18 July 2007.
M&M
Energy - www.mandmenergy.com (official site)
7/17/07
Liberty Renewable Fuels begins Plant Construction, Equity
Drive
 At
a gala ceremony Friday, the president of Liberty Renewable
Fuels said concrete is ready to be poured next week
on what is to be Michigan's largest ethanol plant
to date, built by Michigan contractors and owned primarily
by Michigan investors.
Liberty Board of Directors, state Sen. Roger Kahn
and Rep. Paul Opsommer, engineers, architects and
Gratiot County leaders gathered at the City of Ithaca/North
Star Township Renaissance Sub-Zone on Washington Road,
where the plant will open for business in 2008. The
ceremony preceded Friday night's first of a 60-city
series of informational meetings designed to attract
potential investments in the $185 million venture.
Liberty President David Skjaerlund said the 110-million
gallon per year production will represent corn grown
on farm fields and fuel pumped in Michigan gas tanks.
Liberty has partnered and signed multi-year agreements
with Michigan grain elevators such as Cooperative
Elevator, Auburn Bean and Grain and Brown Milling
in Mt. Pleasant. Most ethanol plants in this state
and others are built by Wall Street investors.
"This public offering is being offered to Michigan
residents," Skjaerlund said. "We're giving Main Street
Michigan a chance to invest on the ground floor. We
know of no other ethanol plant in Michigan that has
filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission
to allow a public offering in the state prior to plant
construction."
Visit Liberty Renewable Fuels online at www.libertyrf.com
Follow links below for full articles:
"Ethanol
Plant Previewed." The Morning Sun. 16
July 2007.
"Ethanol
Plant Needs Investors." The Saginaw News.
16 July 2007.
"Ithaca
Will Hold State's Largest Ethanol Plant." ABC12
News. 12 July 2007.
6/15/07
Alpha Plastics plans $350,000+ Expansion in St. Louis
 Walk
into a retail store like Wal-Mart or Walgreens and
the sign systems, denoting sale prices could have
been made in St. Louis, Michigan. So could the large
units of greetingcard displays in retail stores. Or
the buoys in Lake Michigan or the Atlantic Ocean or
the ventilation tubes in portable toilets. These are
among the many custom and varied plastic parts manufacturered
by Alpha Plastics Inc, headquartered in Woodside Industrial
Centre.
The family owned and operated custom profile extrusion
company is preparing to expand. With an investment
of $352,000, the company will add two to the current
10 production lines and hire nine to the 55 member
work force... "This expansion will take us to a different
playing field," said company vice president Heath
Frillici; in charge of purchasing, investory and management.
"This gives us an opportunity to pursue more business."
Follow link below for full article:
"Plastics
Company Looks to Expand." The Morning Sun.
12 June 2007.
Alpha
Plastics (official site)
6/8/07
Aircraft Precision CEO Michigan Manufacturer of the
Year Finalist
 William
Henderson, president and CEO of Aircraft Precision
Products, Inc. (APPI) in Ithaca, Michigan, has been
named a Finalist in the 2007 John G. Thodis Michigan
Manufacturer of the Year Award program. The awards,
presented by the Michigan Manufacturers Association
(MMA), recognize Michigan manufacturers’ positive
contributions to the industry and local communities.
“Bill Henderson’s passion for the manufacturing industry
comes through loud and clear in his actions, which
make both his company and community stronger,” said
John MacIlroy, MMA president and CEO. “We are pleased
to recognize his accomplishments.”
Henderson helped his company recover from a major
loss of business from a key customer in 2003 by implementing
Lean manufacturing procedures to cut costs and developing
product innovations that appealed to a more diverse
customer base. The company hired eight new employees
in the past 18 months — it now employs 65 — and invested
$1 million in capital improvements over the same period.
APPI manufactures complex parts for the aerospace
industry.
Follow link below for full article:
"Mid-Michigan
Manufacturer Honored with MMA Michigan Manufacturer
of the Year Award." Aircraft Precision News.
Aircraft
Precision (official site)
6/1/07
Gratiot Students to earn National Career Readiness Certificates
 The
local superintendents in Gratiot and Isabella counties
have taken a lead on the National Career Readiness
Certification (NCRC) Initiative for the benefit
students, employers, educators and regional economic
development efforts. With the financial support of
the Gratiot-Isabella
Regional Education Service District (GIRESD),
all 11th grade students will have the opportunity
to take a third WorkKeys exam, in addition
to the current tests required by the Michigan
Merit Exam. With the addition of this test, students
will be able to obtain a bronze, silver, or gold National
Career Readiness Certification.
Local employers, including Aircraft
Precision Products, have embraced the Career Readiness
Certificate as a way to evaluate the qualifications
of applicants. When NCRC is fully underway, Aircraft
Precision will require applicants to provide this
information prior to scheduling an interview.
For economic development purposes, the NCRC will
enable measurement of regional workforce capabilities
for specific job functions, helping existing and prospective
employers evaluate the adequacy of talent throughout
the central Michigan region.
For more information, please contact Dennis Dunlap,
Regional CTE Administrator at (989) 466-4832 or ddunlap@edzone.net.
"Employers
Seek Certified Workers." The Morning Sun.
23 May 2007.
National
Career Readiness Certificate® (official site)
WorkKeys®
(official site)
5/21/07
Leadership Gratiot holds 2006-2007 Graduation Ceremony
 23
individuals, with occupations ranging from banking,
farming, social work, higher education, local government,
economic development, law enforcement, healthcare,
accounting, and others, were recognized for their
completion of the 2006-2007 Leadership Gratiot program
Friday, May 18, 2007 at Winding Brook Conference Centre
in Shepherd.
Participants were challenged in group-building and
personal empowerment classes to think critically and
work collaboratively with agencies and groups throughout
the community, ultimately creating positive change
in Gratiot County. Leadership Gratiot is a nine-session
local leadership training program designed to identify,
develop, and empower current and emerging leaders
in the community. For more information, contact the
Gratiot
Area Chamber of Commerce at (989) 463-5525 or
MSU Extension
at (989) 875-5203.
5/18/07
Gratiot Leaders identify new Collaborative Opportunities
 The
Legislative Committee of the Gratiot Area Chamber
of Commerce held a roundtable meeting entitled "Collaboration
for a Stronger Economy," May 17 at the Gratiot Isabella
RESD in Ithaca.
Keynote speaker, Michael Montgomery, President of
Montgomery Consulting, Inc, addressed several key
issues including: understanding your base
economy, components of business and how they assist
with economic growth, and local private/public collaboration.
Participants brainstormed for new ideas, prioritized
specific projects, and broke out into workgroups to
devise strategies for implementation. Specific collaborative
items discussed include:
 Establishment
of county-wide/intercounty recycling- Integration and cross-training public
safety
- County-wide/regional marketing
- Professional grant-writing
- Coordinated administration & public
services
- County-wide transportation
- Expansion of recreation opportunities
5/3/07
Pine River Outfitters Explores Untapped Local Resource
 Utilizing
an untapped resource. That is David Eldridge's
vision as he enters his second season as owner of
Pine River Outfitters in St. Louis.
"Nowhere else in the state is such a resource
not being utilized," Eldridge said of the Pine
River.
He hopes to capitalize on that by expanding a county-wide
paddle boat business. The business, located
at
1010 Michigan Avenue in St. Louis with immediate
access to the river, offers rental of canoes, kayaks,
aluminum fishing boats, pontoons and fishing equipment.
Eldridge said the various routes available offer a
unique outdoor experience.
"The river offers solitude, quiet, twists and
turns and lots to explore."
(excerpt from Gratiot County Herald
2007 Gratiot Area Visitors & Recreation Guide)
For more information:
Email
info@pineriveroutfitters.com or call (989) 681-2559.
4/26/07
Intergovernmental Cooperation Promotes Growth in Gratiot
County
Pine River Township has taken the first step toward
utilizing the benefits of a recent "historical"
land share agreement by discussing an extension of
water utilities to businesses.
Kevin Beeson, Pine River Township supervisor, said
he has been approached by a number of businesses in
the township, mostly along Alger Road and M-46 north
of Alma city limits, about extending water services
through the area for added fire protection...
Follow link below for full article:
"Pine
River Township Taking Advantage of Land Agreement."
Gratiot County Herald. 26 Apr. 2007.
4/26/07
Garr Tool Expanding in Pine River Township
 While
many companies across the state are closing, downsizing
or merely struggling to maintain, Garr Tool in Pine
River Township is expanding, having received approval
on a "win, win, win" agreement with the
municipal board.
Follow link below for full article:
"Garr
Tool Expanding." Gratiot County Herald. 26
Apr. 2007.
Garr
Tool (official site)
4/23/07
Gratiot Medical Center Continues $53 million Construction
Project
 Significant
progress continues with Gratiot Medical Center's ambitious
$53 million expansion project.
With a total of 182,888 square feet of new space,
the project includes:
- A four-story patient tower, housing 120 private
patient rooms, each with its own bathroom, shower
and family visiting area.
- A new emergency department, urgent care and occupational
health addition.
This space will include 20 private examination rooms
and two large trauma rooms.
A capital fund drive in support of the building project
has reached nearly $3.2 million in gifts and pledges
toward a $3.35 million goal. Lead gifts have
come from Gratiot Medical Center’s employees, Garr
Tool Company, the Herbert H. and Grace A. Dow Foundation
and the Mr. and Mrs. Ken Luneack family.
Construction Updates: Gratiot Medical Center (official
site)
4/20/07
Great Lakes Energy & Research Park Outlined at Michigan
Senate Energy Committee
Michael Sawruk and Michael Muckleroy of M&M Energy,
and Robert Mennes of Core Energy presented the proposed
Great Lakes Energy & Research Park, to be located
in Alma, at the Michigan Senate Energy Committee.
Greenhouse gases, global warming, serious convictions
that a carbon tax is inevitable and Michigan's poor
economy played right into energy park developer Mike
Sawruk's hands...
Follow link below for full articles:
"Gratiot
Energy Park Pitched to State Senators." The
Morning Sun. 20 Apr. 2007.
"Company
Seeking State's Support for Energy Park." Gratiot
County Herald. 26 Apr. 2007.
M&M
Energy LLC (official site)
4/13/07
Press Release: Merrill Fabricators Chooses to Expand
in Alma
 Mr.
Gary Yackel, President of Merrill Technologies Group,
headquartered in Saginaw, Michigan is pleased to announce
that Merrill Fabricators a division of Merrill Technologies
intends to purchase a 399,000 square foot manufacturing
facility in Alma, Michigan. The facility located
on Republic Street is the largest of the four building
complex previously owned by Oxford Automotive.
 Merrill
Fabricators is an industrial fabrication company manufacturing
large and complex welded products for the oil and
gas, transportation, and related industries. Merrill
Fabricators specializes in the manufacture and assembly
of sophisticated valves and pressure vessels. Merrill
is expanding its existing operation. Mr. Gary
Yackel stated that, “The large facility offered the
perfect opportunity to expand operations while staying
focused in the mid Michigan region. The excellent
condition of the building, the availability of rail,
and general market access makes the location ideal.
We are very pleased with the coordination assistance
provided by Greater Gratiot Development Inc. (GGDI)
and all parties in Alma”. . .
Follow link below for full press release
Press
Release: Merrill Fabricators & Greater Gratiot
Development, Inc. (13 April 2007) "Merrill Fabricators
Chooses to Expand in Alma." (PDF - 57.3kb)
Merrill
Fabricators (official site)
Merrill Technologies Group (official site)
3/15/07
Gratiot Medical Center named "One of Nation's Top
100 Hospitals"
 Affiliates
of MidMichigan Health are setting new national standards
for clinical outcomes, patient safety, financial performance,
efficiency, and growth in patient volume. Gratiot
Medical Center in Alma, and MidMichigan Medical Center-Midland
both have been named one of the nation’s 100 Top Hospitals®
by Solucient®, part of Thomson Healthcare, a leading
provider of information and solutions to improve the
cost and quality of healthcare.
Press
Release: MidMichigan Health (12 March 2007) "MidMichigan
Named One of the Nation's Top 100 Hospitals By Solucient."
(PDF - 90.7kb)
Solucient
100 Top Hospitals - official website
MidMichigan
Health - Gratiot Medical Center (official site)
2/9/07
Gratiot County a "Model for Intergovernmental Cooperation"
 An
historic interlocal and conditional transfer agreement
among the Cities of Alma and St. Louis and Pine River
Township was signed February 8, 2007, setting the
stage for future growth throughout the Gratiot Community,
and achieving an unprecedented level of cooperation
between area local governments. Links to the
actual agreement document and full Morning Sun article
follow:
Interlocal
and Conditional Transfer Agreement - (PDF
- 371kb)
"Deal
Signed." The Morning Sun. 9 Feb. 2007.
2/1/07
Liberty Renewable Fuels, LLC Ethanol Plant
 Liberty
Renewable Fuels, LLC plans to locate a 110-million
gallon/year ethanol plant in North Star Township,
adjacent to the City of Ithaca in Gratiot County,
Michigan. The dry mill corn-processing ethanol
plant will annually process approximately 40 million
bushels of corn into approximately 110-million gallons
of fuel-grade ethanol and 354,000 tons of distillers
grains for animal feed. This plant, when constructed,
would be Michigan’s largest ethanol plant built to
date, and will create approximately 50 new jobs. Construction
of the project is expected to take 12-14 months from
the date of pouring of concrete with an anticipated
completion date scheduled for third quarter of 2008.
Liberty
Renewable Fuels, LLC (official website)
8/18/06
Donald Schurr named 2006 MEDC Partner of the Year
 Michigan
Economic Development Corporation President and CEO
James C. Epolito announced that Ann Arbor SPARK Vice
President Tim Robinson and Greater Gratiot Development
Inc. (GGDI) President Donald C. Schurr have been selected
for the MEDC’s 2006 Economic Development Partner of
the Year awards. They were recognized by Epolito for
“outstanding economic development achievement and
collaboration” at the annual meeting of the Michigan
Economic Developers Association (MEDA) in Detroit.
Press Release: Michigan Economic Development Corp.
(8 Aug. 2006) "MEDC Announces 2006 Partner of
the Year Awards."
5/18/06
EPA Brownfield Site Characterization Grants
 The
Gratiot County Brownfield Redevelopment Authority
and the City of Alma were recently awarded three Brownfield
Redevelopment grants from the Environmental Protection
Agency, totaling $600,000.
Below are links to more information:
Brownfield
Redevelopment Authority of the County of Gratiot Page
"$600,000
for Brownfields." The Morning Sun. 18
May 2006
EPA
Brownfields 2006 Fact Sheet - City of Alma
(PDF)
EPA
Brownfields 2006 Fact Sheet - Gratiot County Brownfield
Redevelopment Authority (PDF)
5/10/06
Great Lakes Energy & Research Park
An energy research park has been proposed to be constructed
on land including the former Total Refinery property
in the city of Alma. The park is still in the
planning stages, with details yet to come. Currently,
there are no job openings at the energy research park.
Below are links to more information:
Press Release: City of Alma, Michigan (11 May 2006)
"Energy Research Park to be Located in Alma."
"Energy
Project." The Morning Sun. 10 May 2006.
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